Tryst with Destiny and India

If I have to say one phrase that represents India in my mind, it is this – “Tryst with Destiny”. The fight for independence and the subsequent events hold a prominent part in the history of India. History buffs or those older, who know the significance of this phrase will know it as the speech that was delivered by Nehru on the eve of India’s independence.

“Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now that time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.”

I have also been fascinated with this phrase, because it in a way, represents a philosophy. Tryst with destiny meaning meeting with one’s fate. The fate or destiny of one’s life, the karma of one’s life. The fate, the destiny that is predetermined. The destiny that has been etched in stone. The happenings that happen come what may, come what we do.

Yes, there are somethings that feel like that. Sometimes this philosophy becomes a solace in explaining the things, good or bad, that happen. Occasionally, the turn of events cannot be explained. Even after putting in all the effort and intention, when they do not take shape in the way we desire, we might have to use it to explain for ourselves. It is how we explain the bad things that happen to good people.

It should only be used as that, a philosophy to explain occasionally, when human intellect cannot comprehend. We are privy to a tiny picture of the whole. As a solace for giving us the courage to move ahead. As a last resort only. It should not be used as an excuse for not doing the duty. For not putting in the effort. For evading responsibility.

Karma, more often than not, is what we do in this life itself. It is a sum total of our thoughts, words and deeds. I do believe in a power much higher than all of these. Yes, but that does not absolve me of doing my duty, manasa vachena karmana.